RATS, LICE AND HISTORY

by Hans Zinsser ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 8, 1935

Here's a book to watch. Its implied subject matter does not seem to command the interest of the layman (the history -- or as he says, the biography of typhus), but the method and the manner are so breezy, original and touched throughout with humor, that it may well catch the public curiosity and interest. Not for a moment is it non-scientific; in fact he unqualifiedly discounts the popular scientist angle as misleading. But -- in the course of definitely scientific marshalling of facts, he shows how typhus has won and lost seiges, even whole wars, has changed the face of the world, has played its part at almost every step of historical development. Not so popular in appeal as the DeKruif books, but those who liked Soldier in Science and others on the borderline, should find this fascinating reading.

Pub Date: Feb. 8, 1935

ISBN: 1412806720

Page Count: -

Publisher: Little, Brown

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1935

Categories: NONFICTION